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Miami Merger's gift to benefit RedHawk Launch Accelerator

Jeff and Sarah Kadlic

A Miami Merger of two Farmer School graduates has made a gift to assist FSB students working to start their own companies. Jeffrey and Sarah Kadlic have committed $50,000 to start the Sarah and Jeffrey Kadlic Entrepreneurial Growth Fund to benefit the RedHawk Launch Accelerator.

The 1993 graduates say they believe that creativity, critical thinking, curiosity and hard work are attributes that, when fully developed and combined together, enhance not only the opportunities in someone’s career, but in all aspects of life.

“Experiential learning is a critical part of the process and Sarah and I are thrilled to financially support young entrepreneurs’ ability to test their business ideas in the real world,” explained Jeffrey Kadlic.

Based in Union Hall in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district, the RedHawk Launch Accelerator is a seed stage startup accelerator for all Miami University student-led startups with high growth potential. Participating startups work one to one with mentors, consult with subject matter experts and practicing entrepreneurs, identify and achieve growth benchmarks, pitch to startup accelerators and funders at Demo Day, and receive up to $2,500 in operating capital.

“This gift is a catalyst to launch new businesses and create new jobs. Our student founders are building prototypes, testing designs and attracting paying customers through the funding provided by Sarah and Jeffrey Kadlic. We are very grateful for their generosity,” John W. Altman Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship & Assistant Clinical Lecturer Mark Lacker said.

Farmer School dean and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership Jenny Darroch added, “This support from our graduates is especially gratifying not only because it provides funding for our students to launch their dreams, but also because it shows their high regard for their own Farmer School experiences.”

Jeffrey Kadlic, a finance graduate, is a founding partner of Evolution Capital Partners in Cleveland, and Sarah Kadlic, a marketing and art history major, is owner of Courtland Jewels.